HOW THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION WAS BUILT
The football-pitch-sized science lab presented the toughest engineering challenge of modern times, but a historic level of international cooperation and an innovative modular design made this remarkable satellite a reality
WORDS MATTHEW BOLTON
DID YOU KNOW? In May 2016 the ISS completed its 100,000th orbit of Earth
Orbiting over 248 miles above Earth and travelling at over 16,800 miles per hour, the ISS is the most expensive object ever constructed. It stands as testament to the progress that can be made when nations work together. This research laboratory, which has living quarters for six residents, was described by NASA as “the most complex scientific and technological endeavour ever undertaken”. It is the largest artificial satellite ever created and has provided continual life support and shelter for astronauts for over 23 years. The ISS was only possible because of the cooperation of the many countries involved, working together to create an inspirational scientific venture and an engineering marvel.